Advocacy and Communications Advisor

forumZFD is seeking to hire a dedicated Advocacy and Communications Advisor to join our office in Beirut in advancing our mission of promoting nonviolent conflict transformation and social change. The selected candidate will hold a competitive position for a six-month contract duration, with potential for extension, focusing on implementing effective communication strategies to contribute to peacebuilding and conflict transformation. 

forumZFD (Forum Civil Peace Service) is a German NGO currently working in 14 locations around the globe to support people involved in violent conflicts on the path to peace. forumZFD has been working in Lebanon since 2009 envisioning a Lebanese society where people interact with each other in a respectful, non-violent way. The 15 staff members are committed to peace through different program areas: Peace and Conflict Trainings, Community Mobilizing, Dealing with the Past and Non-violent Communication. Working together with local partners, forumZFD jointly develops local capacities within civil society and supports their projects for non-violent conflict transformation. Read more about us in our website: www.forumzfd.de/en/lebanon

Responsibilities:

• Support ongoing Communication, Media and Advocacy objectives of projects and program, advising senior management on communication and advocacy efforts, offering insights for improvement and growth, taking into account dynamics of the local context.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communication, media and advocacy strategies aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Regularly coordinate the production of forumZFD visibility items and media outreach. Establish relationships with local journalists, bloggers, and influencers to amplify our message.
• Establish advocacy and influencing priorities for forumZFD in conjunction with the Media and Advocacy Project Manager.
• Support the creation of compelling and engaging content for various initiatives, including social media platforms and website, ensuring it resonates with the local audience.
• Organize and coordinate together with our partner’s events, workshops, and campaigns related to social change and peacebuilding initiatives, taking into account the specific needs and sensitivities of the local community.
• Conduct research on relevant topics, track local media coverage, and provide analysis to inform future strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams and local partners to ensure consistency and coherence in project presence across channels.
• Participate in relevant forumZFD regional and international coordination calls.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Media Studies, Marketing or a related field.
• 5+ years proven experience in media relations, advocacy or related roles, preferably in the NGO sector, with a deep understanding of the local context.
• At least three years of experience managing social media channels for news outlets, organizations, or NGOs.
• Strong team-working abilities, self-awareness and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms, content creation, and audience engagement strategies, tailored to the preferences and behaviors of the local population.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic, with a nuanced understanding of local dialect and cultural sensitivities.
• Graphic design and multimedia skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines while navigating the complexities of the local environment.
• Passion for social change and commitment to nonviolent conflict transformation, rooted in a deep understanding of the local context.
• *Please note: This is a local position. Only candidates with residency permit in Lebanon will be considered.**

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following documents to [email protected] :

1. Cover Letter expressing your interest and highlighting your relevant experience.
2. Resume/CV detailing your educational background and work experience.
3. Portfolio of previous communication, media and advocacy projects.
4. Practical Exercise: Drafting a Campaign (see below).
5. Contact information for at least two professional references and/or recommendation letter.

Practical Exercise: Drafting an Advocacy Campaign for Conflict Transformation in Lebanon

Candidates interested in this position are requested to submit a practical exercise centered around the creation of an advocacy campaign aimed at addressing a specific aspect of conflict transformation in Lebanon. This exercise is a requirement for shortlisting and aims to evaluate candidates' ability to develop practical and impactful strategies leveraging use of media for conflict transformation.

The exercise should cover: topic selection, campaign objectives, strategy and content plan, impact and evaluation.

Candidates demonstrating proficiency in creating a compelling, context-specific campaign strategy will be given priority consideration in the selection process. 

*Application Deadline: 30.11.2023*

Candidates not meeting the minimum requirements or unwilling to complete the practical exercise will not be considered for this position. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews within the first fortnight of December.